The Independent reports that the wailing and gnashing of teeth at Goodison could quieten down soon, as Everton appear to be close to siging several players. Whereas yesterday’s Daily Mail was pretty snooty about the Toffees’ chances of signing Moutinho and Tiago, the Independent puts things in a more positive light.

Apparently Moyes is frantically spinning several plates, with Tiago still slightly reluctant to play in the Premier League, the Moutinho deal still hanging in the balance and Cameroon’s defensive midfielder Stephane M’Bia having an MRI scan on a knee injury he picked up at the Olympics.

Everton, who have still not given up hope of signing another Portuguese international, the Sporting Lisbon play-maker Joao Moutinho, have beaten off competition from Newcastle United to advance negotiations with Juventus. The Italians want to off-load Tiago, who has endured a miserable 12 months in Turin after signing from Lyons last year. Everton have agreed to pay €1m (£790,000) for the season-long loan and a further €9m next summer if the spell is successful.

Everton have endured a difficult summer in the transfer market with their problems made worse by injuries to key players such as Tim Cahill and Steven Pienaar. They lost their opening league fixture of the season, at home to Blackburn Rovers, with the resources of manager David Moyes severely stretched.

The Rennes midfielder Stéphane Mbia is desperate to complete a move to Everton now he has returned from the Olympic Games. (Independent)

These three signings would give a monumental lift to the Everton team, whose midfield is practically non-existent. Signing these three, all strong players, would instantly change Everton’s currently grim outlook for the season ahead.

Watch Everton live online